Beyond the Hard Hat: Innovative Benefits for a Modern Rural Workforce

Today we’re going to dig deep into something you might not immediately associate with sawmills and timber: benefits.

In this episode, we sit down with Idaho Forest Group’ s director of human resources, Jodi Andersen, to discuss the critical role modern, flexible benefits play in supporting employees—especially in rural areas like those where IFG operates.

From the importance of preventive care and mental wellness to virtual care and family leave, Jodi shares how benefits have become just as essential as safety gear on the job site—and why getting them right is key to staying competitive in a tight labor market.